INEC Confirms 110 Groups Seeking Political Party Registration Amid Rising Political Interests

INEC Confirms 110 Groups Seeking Political Party Registration Amid Rising Political Interests

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that a total of 110 associations have formally submitted requests for registration as political parties in Nigeria.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made this revelation during a strategic meeting with media executives held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

According to Yakubu, the surge in applications reflects growing political engagement across the country. He noted that INEC is currently reviewing the submissions and following the due process as stipulated by the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act.

“We are carefully examining each application in line with the legal requirements. Registration is not automatic; the law is clear on the criteria, and we will strictly adhere to them,” Prof. Yakubu emphasized.

Under the law, any association seeking political party status must fulfill specific conditions, including proof of national spread, functional offices in at least two-thirds of the states, and clear evidence of democratic structures.

This development comes as Nigeria prepares for future electoral cycles, with citizens, civil society groups, and political stakeholders showing renewed interest in political participation and representation.

INEC has previously deregistered political parties that failed to meet constitutional requirements, and the Commission has assured the public that it will maintain its standards and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

Observers say this wave of applications could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape if even a fraction of the groups secure registration and meet INEC’s rigorous benchmarks.